Yardstick Lesson

In looking at the life of Jesus, we discover leadership skills that we can apply at church, at work, at home and every walk of our lives. Jesus modeled leadership principles, and took advantage of situations in everyday life to “teach” people and to “develop” them for a purpose. He especially did this with his disciples as he knew one day he was going to send them out on their own. Scripture tells us that Jesus was sent to live among us and to be an example for us and that we are to have the same attitude as that of Jesus (Philippians 2:5 NLT): "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."

In John 6 (vs. 1-10 NLT) as we discover one of these leadership principles in the lesson of the loaves and fish:

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said.

Good leaders don't just "do" things for others or give them answers. The goal of a leader is to "develop" people and to lead them to a point of understanding and then growth so that they can carry out a task, or a mission to fulfill a purpose. Let's look again at verses 5-6:

Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

Notice that the scripture says that while Jesus had the answer and knew what he was going to do, he was using this as an opportunity to "prove" or to test Philip. Testing is used in the process of learning, and development. Have you ever been tested for the purpose of stretching you personally? I’m a computer scientist by trade. I was very introverted and loved to work in the lab and develop my computer software projects. A mentor of mine during my career at NCR, Mark Campbell, came alongside and pushed me to stretch myself. The first stretch was to lead a project. I discovered I enjoyed working with a team and helping others to accomplish their tasks. The second stretch was to accept a role as a manager. I discovered that I enjoyed developing plans, building teams, learning from others and pouring some of my experience into other people. Probably, my most significant and impactful test was the one through which my mentor encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone of engineering management into leading the product marketing organization – and to top it off, it was for a major product line transition. I was probably the most afraid I’ve ever been in my career except that my mentor was there to support and encourage me. An executive at headquarters referred to me as a “lab rat.” He’s too introverted; how will he ever make it in marketing. Let’s “test” him in the role while we continue to search for a director of marketing. The executives and I were looking at my current experience, but not the potential. My mentor was looking at my potential. After one year in the role, we successfully launched the new product line and I was given the position officially becoming the youngest executive on campus. In effect, my mentor invested in me and played a major role in paving the way for my career and ultimately for my being here. Had he not stretched me, I may still be working in the lab writing computer software. Who are you pouring your life into? Who are you helping to stretch? Who are you investing in?

Jesus understood the concept of potential when the empowerment comes from him. A leadership lesson we see from Christ in the test of the loaves is: the yardstick lesson.

A yard·stick is a measure or standard used for comparison. Jesus wanted to teach the disciples and, in this case, Philip that our tool for measuring or determining our response to life’s problems or challenges is inadequate. The message is this: Do not measure a problem or challenge according to your own abilities.

Philip viewed this situation with his personal experiences and perspective as the basis of his measuring stick. In verse 7, he says: “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” Andrew’s response wasn’t much better – he asked, “But what good [are these loaves and fish] with this huge crowd?” To Philip and Andrew, this was an impossible situation. But, Jesus had a different perspective – a different yardstick. He loves “impossible” circumstances. Why? Because these provide a perfect test, a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the power of God in our lives.

Each time [Jesus] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)

God puts us in impossible situations to stretch our undeveloped faith.
A lack of faith produces fear in our lives and in the lives of those following us. Jesus doesn’t want us to have a spirit of timidity but of boldness, confident of what he can do in and through us. Craig Groeschel, an innovative pastor who started lifechurch.tv, said at a recent leadership conference:

“The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the pain [or fear] you’re unwilling to endure.”

God puts us in impossible situations to strengthen our eternal hope.
As we see God work in our lives, our experiences then give us hope knowing that he can and will do what he says. I love Philippians 1:6:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

We are a work in progress. This holds true for the people we lead as well. As they experience the results of your Godly leadership, they will develop confidence in accomplishing tasks before them and have hope in the outcome.

God puts us in impossible situations to show His incredible love.
By allowing us to be tested, to experience the power directly, we can truly learn to trust him – because we find that the test was there to develop us, to grow us. We can trust his love for us knowing that he tests us for our benefit.

Each time [Jesus] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)

Do not measure a problem or challenge according to your own abilities. Don’t underestimate the power of God when looking at the circumstances in your life.

Encouragement amidst Criticism

One of the primary results of criticism is discouragement. We all want to be liked or appreciated. We are relational people. However, leadership requires that we do the right thing in spite of the criticism of the crowd.

I'm sure that the criticism from the crowd had resulted in an emotion of fear or discouragement for many of the disciples in Ephesus. The first verse of Acts 20 actually concludes the previous chapter following the riot in Ephesus. Note what Paul does: "When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-bye ..." Paul did not wait for the disciples to come to him; rather, he sent for them. He knew that they would be needing words of encouragement, particularly since he had to be on his way completing his mission. As Paul completes his tour in Macedonia and other parts of Greece, he prepares to head to Jerusalem. The passage tells us that he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem. Nonetheless, he was still mindful of the disciples in Ephesus. He calls for the elders of Ephesus to join him.

Discouragement can be a powerful emotion -- a feeling of despair. Paul begins in verse 17 with a testimony of how he lived among them. He mentions that he communicated to both Jews and Greeks equally. In other words, they should consider themselves equals in the cause of Christ. Later, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reinforces this with the importance of unity (Ephesians 4) "so that the body of Christ may be bult up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Paul does not shy away from the impending hardship, however; he continues his testimony with these words, "I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." He references that he will never see them again. This was a tough good-bye to those whom he had grown close to.

He encourages them with these words. "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." With the memory of the riots fresh in their mind, Paul tells them that more will come, "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." The unfortunate thing is that sometimes this comes from within: "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them." This concern is likely the reason his letter to them talked about being "one in Christ" (Ephesians 2) and the unity of the church (Ephesians 4). Paul tells them to "be on guard!" This soldier metaphor is also reinforced in his letter to them in the closing chapter of Ephesians, where Paul challenges them to "put on the full armor of God."

The point of this story is to reinforce the importance of encouragement. Life can be tough. Living for God will result in challenges both from within and from without. Paul sent for the disciples of the church in Ephesus to encourage them face to face and later sends them a letter reinforcing the encouragement. He closes this meeting with these words "I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up …" They prayed together. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul includes a powerful prayer -- one of the most encouraging in all of scripture:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Encourage one another! We all need it.

A Test or Well-intentioned Misguided Friends?

As Paul left Greece to return to Jerusalem, Acts 21:1-16 tells of many encounters along the way with fellow believers. He stayed with one familiar name to us, Philip. In verse 8, Philip is referred to as an evangelist. He had started out as a deacon to “wait on tables”, fled Jerusalem to avoid persecution. He spread the gospel as he went and hadn’t stopped. The gospel was obviously spreading. This could have been a time of great encouragement to Paul, but rather it appears to be very emotionally draining for him personally. Even as he left the leaders from Ephesus, verse 1 says that Paul and his team “had torn [themselves] away from them.” The departure from his friends was emotional. It becomes even more challenging as the story unfolds.

When he arrived at Tyre on the way to Jerusalem in verse 4-5, he found disciples there and spent a week with them. The passage says, “Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” When I first read this, I thought this may have been a case of well-intentioned friends who were misguided in understanding the work of God and call on Paul’s life. God prompts us toward his will and sometimes it’s our best friends who discourage us from following it. “You don’t want to do that; it will be hard.” “Do you know what you’re doing; that will be tough on your family.” We can be derailed by those who love us. We can be derailed by those who are well-intentioned.

But, in this passage, the intervention by the disciples was from the Holy Spirit – “Through the Spirit, they urged …” Was this a test? Paul had definitely been called and prompted by the Spirit to return to Jerusalem. I believe the competing directions were to test Paul. God’s will for us is a personal one. He calls us. He doesn’t call us through our friends. (Now friends may come alongside to prompt us, but the call comes from God.) Paul was about to endure hardship. With this competing direction from disciples and fellow believers, he had to affirm that he new what God’s will was. He couldn’t rely on his emotions or on input from his friends – he needed to spend time with God to affirm his calling.

Once Paul resolved “to continue on [the] way,” the friends came alongside him and prayed for him as he left. We see the challenge again as he was staying with Philip in Caesarea (verse 8-16). A prophet delivered a vision that Paul would be bound by his belt and handed over to the Gentiles. The people there pleaded with Paul not to go. Note Paul's response, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?" This was very emotional for Paul. What he needed at this time was encouragement. Well-intentioned friends were trying to protect him. Paul reaffirmed his calling, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” The passage says that “he would not be dissuaded.” In spite of their pleading, Paul was resolved to do God’s will.

The well-intentioned, caring friends were making this emotionally difficult for Paul. Once they knew his resolve, the people relented and turn it over to God, "The Lord's will be done." As we seek God’s will and direction for our lives, we need to spend time with God affirming His direction and strengthening our resolve. As friends, we should be cautious of our well-intentioned advice and seek to encourage one another in living out our purpose for God.

Feeding the Antagonists by Fighting among Ourselves

Acts 21, When Paul and those traveling with him reached Jerusalem, they met with James and the elders of the church in Jerusalem. Paul provided an update on what God was doing among the Gentiles through his ministry. The leaders praised God. The disciples were also having a harvest of lives in Jerusalem among the Jews ("thousands of Jews have believed"). This could have been a time of great encouragement, but ...

Then the topic shifts rather abruptly. There is an odd remark pertaining to the Jewish believers -- "… and all of them are zealous for the law." The leaders of the Jerusalem church then proceeded to tell Paul that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem felt that Paul was teaching against the law asking not only the Gentiles, but the Jews to "turn away from Moses." The issue was dealing with their customs (specifically circumcision). [I thought we had that settled in Acts 15 :-(.] The leaders of the Jerusalem church told Paul that "... they will certainly hear that you have come." They were expecting a confrontation.

The Jewish believers were still holding to the laws of Judaism. This certainly isn't wrong, in and of itself, and may in fact be a very respectable lifestyle. However, this focus on "custom" failed to recognize the grace of God and our living by faith not works. Ironically, the rumblings against Paul were untrue. Paul did not preach against the law. He preached the fulfillment of the law in Christ Jesus. In Romans 13:9-10, he writes:

"The commandments ... are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." … Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

Furthermore, he approached the Jew and Gentile differently. For the Gentile - In Acts 15, he had defended the Gentiles in their freedom from the Jewish law. In verses 7-11 of Acts 15, Peter had joined Paul in this defense saying:

"Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

There was a letter sent relieving the Gentiles of certain customs but making a few requests for compliance in other areas. For the Jew - specifically for the customs of the Jews, for those who felt importance in keeping the law Paul encouraged them to do so. In Romans 14:14 he writes, "… if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Furthermore, when it was expedient for the gospel, he himself kept the law. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul says that for "... those under the law [he] became like one under the law …" He demonstrates this other-ness approach in his life in this passage.

Despite the falsehood of the accusations, Paul follows the Jerusalem church leaders' advice and goes through purification rites to demonstrate support of the lifestyle of the Jews after returning from spending time with Gentiles. The leaders' indicated that this would show the Jewish believers that Paul was obedient to the law and that the exception had been made for the Gentiles because theirs was a different calling albeit the same gospel.

Apparently, the Jews who were not followers of Christ, saw this as an opportunity to create division. In verse 27, when Paul entered the temple, we see that the "Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple." Apparently, they were following him around inciting resistance, riots, and general confusion. We see the crowd behavior that had been evidenced in other areas. Given the context of the preceeding verses, it is likely that even a few believers joined in this uproar. The accusations against Paul by this crowd was the same as those of the Jewish believers, "This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place."

Antagonist against the church will use divisions among us to hamper our impact. I believe Paul's experiences led him to discuss the importance of keeping unity within the body. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, he writes, "… there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." As a body, let's not give those against the church, an open door to create barriers to the gospel through our petty divisions. I love the way Paul tells us to overcome this in Philippians 2:1-5:

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

An "other-ness" approach to living life ...

Leading Change - Called for a Purpose

Edmund Burke, an Irish orator, philosopher, and politician said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

The movie, Amazing Grace, is the story of a man called to the purpose of ridding the world of the evil of slavery. During the movie, the friend of William Wilberforce commented that he [William] had found God. More aptly, William replied, “He found me.” (I couldn’t help but say “amen” after his remark.) Wilberforce was called for a purpose. Over 20 years, he faced harsh opposition, and his health suffered, but he persisted. He did something with what he believed. His compassion became passion for this purpose. He persisted through to its completion. After he had successfully led the political movement to abolish slave trading in Great Britain, he continued his fight to abolish slavery. He saw this succeed as well and then he died a few days later.

We often read scripture without seeing the parallels throughout history and in current times. As a result, we gain knowledge but the application rolls off our backs with no impact. In reading Acts 21-22, I cannot help but see the parallel between the story of Wilberforce and Paul during his final visit to Jerusalem. The Jews who were following Paul around inciting crowds against him continued in Jerusalem – “they stirred up the whole crowd against him and seized him.” (Acts 21:27) The passage indicates that the entire city became aroused, and they were trying to kill Paul. Why? Because he was delivering the message of Christ to the Gentiles, violating Jewish law, and specifically on this day he had brought Greeks into the temple “defiling this holy place.”

The Jews had lost their purpose somewhere along the way. In Genesis 12:3, God had told Abraham, the Father of the Jews, that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” -- all peoples, not some or those you select or prefer, but all peoples. The Jews had replaced God’s purpose with their preference, God’s compassion with their customs. Ironically, the rejection of the Greeks and the attempted killing of Paul were all in the name of God. Steven Weinberg said:

“With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.”

Despite the opposition, Paul persisted. The chaos and uproar attracted the attention of the commander of the Roman army stationed there and he stopped the violence. Paul asked for permission to speak to the people. “Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them …” The text says that “when they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.” According to www.jewish-languages.org:

“Aramaic is a close sister of Hebrew and is identified as a "Jewish" language, since it is the language of major Jewish texts. Aramaic has been until our present time a language of … debate in many [traditional Jewish schools], as many rabbinic texts are written in a mixture of Hebrew and Aramaic.”

Paul knew how to relate to people. He was demonstrating to these Jewish religious leaders that he was familiar with their religious language. With their attention, Paul proceeded to give his testimony. In relating to them, he stated, “I am a Jew … brought up in this city. … I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” He begins with his credentials and similarities to them. And, then he associates with their actions and their cause:

“I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as also the high priest and all the Council can testify.”

After he demonstrates an understanding, he transitions to his conversion experience. In this experience, Paul communicates that he has been chosen for a purpose:

“The God of our fathers has chosen [me] to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth … [to] be his witness to all men of what [I] have seen and heard.”

Then, Paul became very specific regarding his call to reach the Gentiles, the non-Jew, when he referenced the command from the Lord -- “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” The passage tells us that the crowd listened to him until this. As soon as he mentioned his calling to the Gentiles, the Jews “raised their voices” and asked for the Romans to take his life.

The Jews were not chosen because God preferred them; they were chosen to be his vessel to reach all people groups. Yet, their reaction here was blatant racism and prejudice. Contrasting the characters: a) the Jews of Judaism placed their preference and prejudices ahead of their purpose; b) the Jewish believers were complicit by passively standing by; and c) Paul was passionate for Christ and his calling, his purpose.

As Christians, we must consider others before ourselves (Philippians 2:1-5). Christ demonstrated his love to us (and the world) while we were separated from him (Romans 5:8). He loves us in spite of who we are or where we are in our life. Jesus considered people’s needs as he related to them both physically and spiritually. Do we put ourselves in their shoes, see their needs, and feel their feelings. Evangelism is telling people about Jesus; missions involve understanding them before we tell them. [Ed Stetzer and David Putman, Breaking the Missional Code, (Broadman & Holman Publishers), 3] Do we meet those needs with no strings attached? Or, are we excessively devoted to our own preferences allowing our way to get in the way of reaching others? At the end of the day, I have to remember – we all have to remember – that it is not about me, it is not about you. It is about Jesus sending us to peoples to proclaim the gospel in a way that they can understand. Our churches often struggle because we put our preferences over our call – our preferences over our mission. [Ed Stetzer and David Putman, Breaking the Missional Code, (Broadman & Holman Publishers), 3]

Stay the course in the purpose to which God has called you regardless of the obstacles. And, realize that sometimes your greatest obstacles come from “good, religious” people.

Courage from His Promise

God's purpose in our life is not always easy. In fact, though it may be spiritually rewarding, most of the time it is difficult. But, God does provide us with a promise. Repeatedly throughout scripture, he promises his presence.

When Joshua was assuming leadership of the nation of Israel from Moses, God told him:

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people …" (Joshua 1)

To the exiled nation of Israel he said:

"For I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

(Acts 23) Paul took courage in the promise of God -- God was still working through him to complete a specific mission in launching the campaign to open up the gospel to the Gentiles. As he was in jail and facing harsh opposition from the Jews with several near death experiences, Jesus said to him, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." Jerusalem was not the end for Paul.

Paul was facing a inquiry before the Sanhedrin. The Roman commander was still trying to understand what he had done to prompt the Jews to want to kill him. The Romans were watching as Paul spoke before the Pharisees and Saducees. Paul remained stedfast in his resolve for his purpose, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." Paul wrote against the dangers of division in many of his letters to the churches. At this time, he used this tactic against his accusers to cause confusion. He said, "I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." The belief in life after death was a topic of debate between the Pharisees (believed in life after death) and the Saducees (said there was no resurrection). In the ensuing melee, Paul was removed to jail for his own safety. It was at this time that Jesus spoke to him of his mission in Rome. God was still with him and still working out his purpose in his life.

Ironically, or more aptly, divinely, God often sends the first test after his promise to see if we have placed our trust in him. In verse 12, we see that the next morning (immediately after the promise had been given to Paul), "the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath … until they had killed Paul." We don't know exactly what Paul was thinking as this new conspiracy was uncovered, but given that his faith had been tested and God's promises proven many times before in his life, I'm confident that he continued to trust that God would provide the escape. In the face of this new attempt, God provided a deliverance through the warning of Paul's nephew to the Roman soldier. The Roman soldier sent Paul to the governor of the region -- he was on his first step in making the journey to Rome … as Jesus had promised.

In giving his commission to his followers, Jesus left us with the same promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Take courage in his promise.

The Yoke of Religion

In their book, Breaking the Missional Code, David Putman and Ed Stetzer write that

“... instead of biblical Christianity, spirituality appears to be the preferred ‘religion’ of North America … Both the media and academia have firmly embraced and clearly promote the idea that spirituality is good and religion is bad.”

In this context, religion can be interpreted as organized religion or the “church.” Has the church driven people into this belief? Have our rules … or worse, preferences … made becoming a part of the church (or wanting to be a part of the church) too difficult.

This isn’t a recent phenomenon. In Luke 11:46, Jesus said to the religious leaders of his day:

"And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them."

We even see the early Jerusalem church forcing its rules on the new Gentile believers in Acts 15.

“Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.'”

Where does that come from? Where did Jesus ever list the “rules” as a requirement to be saved? Paul and Barnabas went to confront the Jerusalem church leadership. We see the source of the issue in verse 5:

“Some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.’”

While these Pharisees had become believers, they did not fully grasp the grace through faith in Christ. They were still "stuck" in their belief system of Judaism. In their book, Putman and Stetzer add:

“Breaking the code is the recognition that there are visible and invisible characteristics within a community that will make its people resistant to or responsive to the church and its gospel message … we all have to remember that it is not about me, it is not about you. It is about Jesus sending us to peoples to proclaim the gospel in a way that they can understand. Our churches often struggle because we put our preferences over our call – our preferences over our mission.”

Rabbis invited people to learn to keep the Torah. This was called taking the yoke of Torah or the yoke of the kingdom of heaven. Each Rabbi … had an interpretation or yoke. Torah teachers would teach the accepted interpretations or yoke of their community (From: That The World May Know Ministries). Disciples of a rabbi would commit to accepting the yoke of a specific rabbi learning, teaching, and living according to their specific theology, belief system, and rules.

Jesus addressed the “yoke” of the religious leaders in Matthew 11. Jesus felt that this had become oppressive - loading people down with burdens they could hardly carry. He said:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Let’s recognize that Jesus introduced the truth of a “yoke” that was built on grace through faith and be careful not to allow our preferences to get in the way of others coming to life in Christ.

Mindful of Man?

The Psalmist writes, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Do you view mankind with the heart of God? If so, what are you willing to give, or give up, or do? In John 3:16, we see that God “gave” because he was mindful of the world. In Philippians 2:5-6, we see that Christ gave up “equality with God.” He was willing to forego his position in order to reach mankind.

There’s been a lot of discussion regarding our freedoms in Christ. And, we are free. We are redeemed “by grace through faith, not of works.” (Eph. 2:8-9) And, Christ himself referenced the rules of the religious leaders of his day that had become such a burden that no one could live up to their standards. He, in fact, fulfilled the law so that we would not be subjected to the law as a means of redemption. Furthermore, Paul cautioned us regarding “passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13) Yet, our freedom is not a license for abuse. He asked us to “make up [our] mind not to put any … obstacle in [the way of others].”

Throughout his letters, Paul asks us to follow his example. Let’s look at one instance where he sets an example for us. In Acts 15, Paul had just fought the battle with the church in Jerusalem to free the Gentiles from the rule of circumcision. The church leaders referencing Peter’s vision preceding his visit to Cornelius (Acts 10-11) agreed with Paul’s argument. Yet, when Timothy joined Paul on his missionary travels, Paul had him circumcised (Acts 16:1-5). Why? In verse 3, scripture tells us it was “because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” Paul knew that despite the ruling of the church leaders which provided freedom for Gentiles from circumcision, many of the Jews would still struggle with the “requirement.” Timothy, giving up his freedom, in this case would have more credibility and have doors opened that would otherwise be shut. What was the outcome? In verse 5, we see that many were “strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”

We are free in Christ. But, when we choose the “most excellent way” in love (1Cor. 12:31), we are willing to give up, put on hold, forego, our freedom in order to reach others for Christ. I leave you with Paul’s words in 1Corinthians 9. He begins the chapter with these words, “Am I not free?” After describing his freedom, he adds these words, “But I have not used any of these rights.” Then he gives his reason – what drives him is that he is mindful of mankind (v. 19-23):

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

What will you do for the sake of the gospel?

Make the Connection

How well do we connect with the people we are trying to reach? Do we even think about it? Somewhere in the walk of my corporate life, I heard the term "Platinum Rule" as an alternative to the "Golden Rule." The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This sounds good on the surface but it has one major flaw. The rule assumes that others are the same as us desiring to be treated in the same way as we want. The Platinum Rule states, "Treat others the way they want to be treated." This rule will drive us to understand others and perhaps even build a relationship with them in order to know how to treat them in the way they would feel loved and respected.

The Platinum Rule has many applications in our lives -- our marriages, friends, co-workers, etc. In our marriages and other relationships, this is similar to the concept of love languages -- what makes others feel loved -- e.g., words of encouragement, acts of service, giving gifts, physical touch, giving time, and so on. But, it also has relevance in our sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

In their book, Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stetzer and David Putman reference Russell Begaye, cofounder of Ethnic America:

"We need to research the demographics, lifestyles and interests of the groups we want to reach. We need to go among the people , to make our message culturally relevant."

They go on to explain that our mission is "about Jesus sending us to peoples to proclaim the gospel in a way that they can understand." They continue:

"When we are functioning as God's church sent on mission, we will go into different cultures, contexts, and communities … we will worship in a way that connects in that setting. When the connection is made, the [missional] code is broken [understood]."

When Paul visited Athens on his missionary journey through Asia Minor (Acts 17:16-34), he noticed that their culture included numerous gods. How did he approach the people of Athens? He understood their culture and made a connection. The text says that he "walked around and looked carefully at [their] objects of worship." Consequently, he was able to appeal to them in their cultural terms. "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious." Paul didn't put them down or start out by pushing his theology. He used his understanding of their culture to find the common ground. He found his opening to introduce Christ. In verse 23, "… I even found an altar with this inscription: To An Unknown God." He continued in bridging their culture into the sharing of the news of Christ, "Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."

Paul shares the gospel and brings it to a personal level, "God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." His Greek audience were philosophers … seekers. He related to their seeking for answers. Then, he again referenced their own sources, "As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" And, he transitions from this source to explain further, "… since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone -- an image made by man's design and skill." Note that Paul did not shy away from the truth; he still preached repentence, "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent." However, he had made a connection; he presented the news of Christ in a culturally relevant context. The results were that "a few became followers … and believed."

Make the connection!

Confrontation - Growth?

The definition (WordNet, dictionary.com) of confrontration offers a spectrum of meaning ranging from the more positive (a focused comparison; bringing together for a careful comparison) to the more negative (discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions). More often, we likely view the term as negative. In fact, when faced with confrontation, we probably are more likely to choose its antonym -- avoidance (Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, thesaurus.com) as a response. I know that I personally struggle with this.

But I recently became convicted that by avoiding confrontation, I may also be running from an opportunity to be used by God to bring about growth in someone's life, including my own. In a conversation with a fellow believer, he made the observation that Romans 8:28 applies to all believers, not just to me. I knew this, but I wasn't really living it. Sometimes we may be that tool that God wants to use to work "for the good of those who love him …" By fearing or avoiding the confrontation, I'm not trusting God, but rather I'm leaning on my own flawed understanding.

Priscilla and Aquila apparently understood this concept of confrontation for growth. The couple, traveling with Paul, were left behind in Ephesus. God was working through his timing to have this couple available to provide correction to a fellow believer. The story unfolds in Acts 8:24-28.

"… a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John."

First, let's note the potential of Apollos in his role of spreading the gospel in the days of the early church. He was intelligent and he was passionate and he was being used by God. However, he wasn't complete. He was unaware of the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism. Secondly, let's look at the response of Priscilla and Aquilla. They heard him "speak boldly in the synagogue." They could have avoided the confrontation out of apathy or fear or avoidance of potential conflict. After all, they were tentmakers and Apollos was a "learned man." But, they didn't.

The story tells us that the couple "invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." Notice that they didn't confront Apollos in public. They pulled him aside quietly in a relaxed environment. Then, they "explained … the way of God more adequately." I envision them sitting down together around a table having a discussion and then the couple encouraging Apollos. Later, in the story, we see this unfold as "the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples … to welcome him." These believers came alongside a brother and helped him to grow.

The impact on Apollos appears to be very beneficial. "… he was a great help to those who by grace had believed." We don't always see the big picture. If we recognize an issue in someone's life, we should spend time with God in prayer and not be afraid to be used by God to come alongside someone to help bring about growth in their life. The growth will likely occur, not only with that individual, but in our own lives as well.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16)

For me, this is a work in progress - an opportunity for growth.

Crowd Momentum

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. This was the scene in Acts 19 in Ephesus. Ephesus, ancient Greek city of Asia Minor, was a leading seaport of the region. Its wealth was proverbial. The Greek city was also near an old center of worship of a native nature goddess (Artemis). These two city foundations – economy and religion – were the "justification" for the riot.

The passages tell us that Paul was speaking boldly, and performing miracles. A local businessman, Demetrius, was concerned about his business – silver crafts and statues (miniature idols). The “business of religion” was in danger because of the true Way of Christianity. Demetrius said:

Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.

Demetrius begins by inciting his fellow businessmen. Bad news travels fast. Note that the passage says, “Soon the whole city was in an uproar.”

Amazingly, we’re not really different culturally from the people of Ephesus almost 2000 years ago. Have you ever had something similar occur at your church? Leading people through change can be difficult. Vested interests get in the way of what God wants to accomplish. How does this occur? Satan’s attack begins with a few individuals. In this case, he used Demetrius. Convergence theory holds that crowd behavior is not a product of the crowd itself, but is carried into the crowd by particular individuals. Where have we seen this occur before?

• At the trial of Jesus, Matthew 27:20 records that “the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.”
• We saw this occur on one of Paul’s earlier journey’s in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:50). “But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”

There is a lesson here for 3 groups:

1. To the “inciters”, don’t allow yourself to be used as a instrument of Satan to hamper God’s work.
2. To those in the crowd, note Exodus 23:2 and “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.” Taking it one step further, be an encourager to the leadership and come alongside to assist in doing good and what is right.
3. For leaders, follow Paul’s example as he followed the words of Christ in the Gospels, “if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”

I had the privilege of attending the Creative Pastors Conference 2007 last year. Regarding critics against the work of the Lord and the church, Ed Young made the following remarks, “If you face criticism, ask the question ‘Is it true?’ If yes, then change; if not, move on or it will mess you up … Have a funeral in your mind for negative people.”

As a church, encourage one another in the work of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Persistence in Purpose

In reading through Acts, the opposition to the expansion of the early church is obvious. But as with Saul (Paul), we see how God’s Spirit directed and empowered the early believers. Saul was a persecutor of the early church and then became one of its most ardent members and followers of Christ. He overcame numerous obstacles persistent to carry out the purpose to which God had called him.

(Acts 13-14) In Cyprus, he was opposed by a sorcerer. In Antioch, scripture says that “[the Jews] were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.” They continued to follow Paul and Barnabas inciting the crowds against them and running them from the region. In Iconium, they escaped a plot to have them stoned. In Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead. But after all this (and more), Paul persisted.

He kept his eyes on the goal and had the proper perspective.

His goal: in Acts 13:47, we find the direction he had received from God:

“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

His perspective: in Acts 14:22, scripture tells us, Paul and Barnabas said:

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

They were prepared to endure these hardships to accomplish their goals. Easier said than done? In chapter 14, verses 21-22, the Word tells us that “they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch” -- the very cities where they had been forced out and in one case stoned. They returned “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” They returned to encourage others even though it seems as though they would be the ones who would need encouragement. “They reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” (14:27) In other words, it was worth it because they were accomplishing the goal that God had set before them.

Persist. Stay intent and passionate about the purpose God has set before you … and me.

Be a Baruch

Nehemiah was compelled to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem out of love for the people of Israel and reverence for the "Name" of God. In verses 17 in chapter 2 of the book of Nehemiah, he says to the people, "Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." The people replied in verse 18, "Let us start rebuilding." In this verse, it adds that the people began the "good work."

As I read this story, I encountered an individual who epitomizes how I want to live my life. In chapter 3, we find the listing of all of the families, groups, and individuals involved in the rebuilding of the wall. There are about 41 references to those repairing or rebuilding the wall. Praise God for the faithfulness of his people who were doing the "good work." But, there is one individual who is called out differently. In verse 20, we find, "Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section ..." What was different about Baruch that led Nehemiah to add this qualification? What is zeal?

Zeal: American Heritage Dictionary - n. Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance. See Synonyms at passion.

I believe Baruch was passionate and focused on excellence because he kept God as the focus of his efforts. He truly understood the importance and the purpose of rebuilding the wall. It wasn't just another task. Are we caught up in our "busy-ness" of the task at hand? Keep the focus on the object of our devotion -- Jesus Christ. We should do our work with a passion and an excellence worthy of the God we serve.

The One Became Many

(Reference Acts 11:19-30)
After the Jerusalem church leadership realized the revelation of God that the gospel was truly for all the world -- including the Gentiles -- God's plan began to be realized. In Acts 1:8, Jesus had said that "you will be my witnesses" throughout the world. The early church didn't act right away. It wasn't until the persecution scattered them that we see some initial results of Christ's revelation.

Phillip witnessing to the Ethiopian was a great example. He was led into this opportunity by the Spirit while he was fleeing persecution. But, this didn't appear to be a coordinated approach by the church leadership but rather an ad hoc "as you go." It wasn't until Peter explained his vision and encounter with Cornelius that the Jerusalem church leadership grasp the truth and significance of God's Acts 1:8 revelation. In Acts 11:19, scripture says that those scattered from Jerusalem by the persecution were "telling the message only to the Jews." In verse 20, we see the approach beginning to change. Some of them began to "speak to the Greeks also." When the Lord moved through them, "a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."

When the church leadership heard this, they assigned Barnabas (the great encourager in the early church) to get involved. The church plan was beginning to unfold. The one (Cornelius) was becoming many (the world). Barnabas recruits Saul (later, Paul) to join him. This was a perfect opportunity for Paul because his prior persecution of the Jews would have been a barrier to reaching many Jews … at least early on. Together, Paul and Barnabas spent a year at Antioch teaching and reproducing disciples. Isn't it glorious irony that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch -- among the Gentiles.

God was coordinating his plan to reach the world and to bring people from every people group into a right relationship with him. The movement to expand the gospel to the Gentiles began in a big way when one man (Peter) responded to God, overcame his prejudices and stepped out in faith to embrace the change. The early church leadership benefited further when these people that they were initially ignoring took up an offering to help them through a famine in Judea. God's will and plan for us is good. Be open to God's will and embrace the changes in our perspectives so that they fully match God's desire -- we will be blessed.

Don't Count on Surprises

Many of us enjoy surprises on special occassions, birthdays, or holidays. However, when it comes to our prayer lives, we shouldn't be counting on surprises.

sur·prise - a completely unexpected occurrence, appearance, or statement (Dictionary.com Unabridged (v1.1)).

Jesus said in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Many times we enter into prayer "hoping" that our prayers will be answered or even worse, having a bit of spiritual skepticism.

In Acts 12:1-19, we find the story of Peter's imprisonment and escape. The circumstances were dire. James, the brother of John, had already been put to death and now Peter was imprisoned. Peter was guarded by 16 soldiers, and chained in his cell as he was awaiting trial. Scripture tells us that "the church was earnestly praying to God for him." The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). God moves and a miracle occurs enabling Peter to escape. The event that follows is telling and is indicative of many in approach to prayer.

Peter goes to the house where "many people had gathered and were praying." The young girl that came to the door, hears Peter's voice, and is so excited that she doesn't even open the door. She rushes back to tell the others and … they don't believe telling her that she is "out of [her] mind." In the midst of their prayer, it's answered and they don't believe. This wasn't like "you're kidding", and then they get up and go to look. Even after the young girls insistence, the people don't believe and suggest that the girl is seeing an angel instead. When they finally open the door, scripture says they were "astonished."

astonished - filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock (Dictionary.com - WordNet).

Backing up in the story, even as he was experiencing the answer to prayer, Peter thought he was dreaming. He wasn't sure it was real either.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." While there is other scripture that provides qualifications on our prayers being answered (e.g., praying on our own motives or outside of God's will), if we are aligned with what God wills and plans, he will answer our prayer.

I struggle with this as well. I enter into prayer "hoping" my prayer is answered or worse, sometimes skeptical that it will be. I have to remind myself to imagine great things from God and to expect him to show up. Don't count on surprises in your prayers -- believe and expect great things from God.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
(Ephesians 3:20-21)

Becoming too confident in your own experiences.

Early in our Christian walk, we’re often eager to please God. We read his word, and we talk to him. We see God demonstrate his power in our lives. After years of seeing God work, sometimes we grow in confidence … but the confidence is misplaced in our own experiences.

We see this occur in the life of Asa – David’s great-great-grandson. In the beginning …

(2 Chronicles 14:2, 4) Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God … He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey his laws and commands. There was peace in the land of Judah and Asa followed God and sought his counsel.

When he met his first challenge – he turned to God. An army from northern Africa came against the land of Judah.

(2 Chronicles 14:11) Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you."

The Lord gave Asa and the people of Judah victory. Asa saw God work. A friend, moved by God, came alongside Asa with this advice:

(2 Chronicles 15:2, 7)“… The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. … But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

For many years, Asa lived according to this advice. The land experienced peace for 20 more years. But, then Asa faced another challenge … battle was again at his doorstep. The King of Israel went up against Judah; and, rather than turn to God again, Asa took matters into his own hands:

(2 Chronicles 16:2, 3) Asa then took the silver and gold out of the treasuries of the LORD's temple and of his own palace and sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. "Let there be a treaty between me and you," he said, "as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you silver and gold …”

Asa bought an ally. He didn’t seek God’s counsel. Even worse, he took the pay-off out of the Lord’s house. We don’t know what caused Asa to take this path. He was the great-grandson of the wise Solomon, but he missed the advice from Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Asa sought his own answers rather than walking with God; consequently, he lost the peace in the land.

(2 Chronicles 16:7-9)"… Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army … has escaped from your hand … [In your prior experiences], when you relied on the LORD, he delivered [the enemy] into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."

Rather than be repentant, Asa reacted harshly (16:10). He threw the messenger of God into prison and then began to be oppressive to many in his kingdom. Rather than be repentant, he turned away from God. When he later became ill, we find that “even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians (16:12).” He began to "lean on his own understanding" and power. How tragic!

Don’t confuse God’s blessings and work in your life as personal ability. God provides our power through his Holy Spirit. When we rely on our own experiences, without God’s involvement, we usually end up in dire circumstances. Trust in the Lord, and seek his counsel and make sure that your confidence is placed in him. (Philippians 1:6).

A Specific Purpose

Do you know your purpose? Too often, we take the easy route and simply claim “to do God’s will.” While our purpose is to do his will, God has demonstrated in scripture that his purpose for individuals is specific. We need to seek God, look at our giftedness, understand our opportunity, and follow God’s directing in a specific purpose for our lives.

In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit spoke to the prophets, teachers, and members of the church at Antioch, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The people fasted, prayed, and commissioned these two for God’s work. We find the specificity of their calling in Acts 13:47, “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Paul spent his life as a missionary in Asia Minor leading the Gentiles to Christ.

Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was called to lead them into Canaan. Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. James was called to be the leader of the early church in Jerusalem. In Jeremiah 29:11, we read, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God knows his plans for us. Do we know his plans for us? Do you know his plan for you?

Coincidences?

Have you ever wondered what God is up to? His plan for us is constant, consistent and unfailing. In Acts 10, we see how God prepares two unsuspecting people to have an encounter which leads to one accepting Christ as Lord.

God had already been working in the life of the Roman centurion, Cornelius. He was a "devout and God-fearing man." He was already seeing God's power in his life through his family and through his service to the poor. Get that -- a Roman centurion caring for the poor. God's preparation -- He sent an angel to Cornelius in a vision telling him to send for Simon Peter. One other subtle note on the centurion's influence and commitment -- the man that Cornelius chose to bring Peter back was a "devout soldier." This was the same word used to describe Cornelius. Had his lifestyle and commitment begun to rub off on the soldiers under his command? Well, that's another story, but I believe it shows that as we're in tune with God, he works in us and through us to accomplish his plan.

Meanwhile, "back at the ranch :-)", Peter had a vision as well. Peter needed more "prep" than Cornelius. Being a Jew, God was leading him to a significant change in his perspective. He wanted Peter to realize that the good news of Jesus Christ was for all men ... including non-Jews, including Roman centurions. Scripture says that the scene and conversation in the vision was repeated three times. Peter was struggling with the meaning. Acts 10:17-20:

While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."

Peter didn't completely realize the dream until he reached Cornelius and began conversing with him. Note how God had orchestrated this encounter. After sharing his vision, Cornelius said, "Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us." And, then Peter understood, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

Peter went on to share the good news of Jesus Christ. And, Cornelius and all who heard the message were filled with the Spirit and followed with baptism.

God is at work in the lives of his people. He "know[s] the plans [he has] for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) He is also moving in the lives of those who are unconnected not willing that any should be separated from him but that all would know him and accept him as Lord.

Over my 45 years, I've experienced God at work in this way. There are too many "coincidences" to be random events. Allow yourself to be sensitive to what God is doing in your life -- you'll be amazed at what you see!

Where's your confidence?

How seriously do you take your prayer time? Do you approach God with timidity, running through a checklist of selfish needs hoping that he'll respond? John tells us in 1 John 5:10-15 that we can approach God with confidence if we're in tune with his will:

Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart ... And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life ... I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

There are numerous references to the early believers and their boldness. The coming of the Holy Spirit was referred to as a "power" moment. Not only do we have permission and the right as children of God to approach God with confidence, he is expecting us to. When there is an opportunity or a need, he wants us to talk to him about it and express our heart. When we do not God is dismayed or sometimes appalled. When the people of Israel were living in their own way rebelling against God, Isaiah wrote this in Isaiah 59:14-16:

So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene ...

Know that God loves you and me. He has chosen us to be his tool in this world for carrying out his plan of restoring mankind into the right relationship with him. He wants us to use his power and to approach him with confidence as we partner in working the fulfillment of his plan.

Jumping to Conclusions

Often times, our natural tendency is to criticize when we witness or hear of an event that contradicts our personal belief system or perspective. When we encounter change to our norm, we often resist it. The early church was no different. Following the experience with Cornelius (Acts 10), Peter was criticized by many of the believers in Judea.

"The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." (Acts 11:1-3)

But after Peter explained what had happened, they accepted this as part of God's plan.

"When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18)

But why did they begin with criticism? Many of these believers were present when Jesus explained what would happen when they were filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8). They would reach the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. Yet, they criticized Peter. Why didn't they simply ask him about the "incident?"

Our perspective is generally from a narrow frame of reference. We should be very careful of assumptions. I believe Philippians gives us the best way to avoid the tendency to judge or assume. Paul says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." If we're thinking of others, we'll at least attempt to gain their perspective before we act or comment.

In their book, Breaking the Missional Code, David Putman, and Ed Stetzer write:

At the end of the day, I have to remember – we all have to remember – that it is not about me, it is not about you. It is about Jesus sending us to peoples to proclaim the gospel in a way that they can understand. Our churches often struggle because we put our preferences over our call – our preferences over our mission.

Some of the leaders in the early church had placed their Jewish preferences over the mission. Let us be reminded to "consider others" so that we can understand them, connect with them, and reach them. And, with regards to fellow believers, lets live out the "one another's" listed in God's word loving one another, encouraging one another to love and good deeds.

Imprinted Image

When I was growing up, friends or acquaintances of my parents would often tell my parents, "I can tell he is yours. He looks like his dad." In a not so subtle way, that likeness provided a sense of belonging.

I was reading a doctoral dissertation by our Sr. Pastor, Dr. Don Brock. He states:

God made man in the image and likeness of Himself (Genesis 1:26-27; James 3:9). Even in a fallen state from God, man still retains the image and likeness of God (1 Corinthians 11:7; James 3:9). ... The two phrases are stating the same idea and serve as reinforcements to one another. Being made in the image and likeness of God implies that man has the capacity for a personal relationship with God."

We are relational people by nature. God created us for a relationship with him. That image, that spirit, was what he imprinted upon us at creation. Pastor Don continues in his thesis by quoting Millard J. Erickson's (Christian Theology) story of the image on the coin in Jesus' day. Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees and the Herodians as recorded in the gospels (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26) in an attempt to trick him:

"The issue was whether to pay taxes to Caesar. Having been brought a coin, Jesus asked whose image appeared on it. When the Pharisees and Herodians correctly answered, 'Caesar's,' Jesus responded, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' What are 'the things that are God's?' resumably, whatever bears the image of God. Jesus then was saying, 'Give your money to Caesar; it has his image on it, and thus it belongs to him. But give yourselves to God. You bear His image, and you belong to Him.' Commitment, devotion, love, loyalty, service to God -- all of these are proper responses for those who bear the image of God."

We have been imprinted with the image of God. As a child, I was proud when people said that I looked like my father. I wanted to be like him. Because we have the image of God, he has called us to be "conformed to the likeness of his Son." (Romans 8:29) Jesus and the Father are one. He models his Father's will. In Philippians, we're told to have the attitude (mind) of Christ.

In Dr. Brock's dissertation, he writes, "the Greek word used for man's spirit, pneuma, is the same word used for the Holy Spirit." With his presence in our lives, we can become more like Christ. Romans 8:16, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." We were created in the image of God. The Spirit confirms that we belong to God. From this imprinting, we are called to be like his Son. We are imprinted with his image; let's live in his likeness.

I am a friend of God.

The popular Michael Gungor and Israel Houghton song, Friend of God, provides an amazing truth for those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ and follow him. Abraham had this distinction. James 2:23 says, "... 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend." Man, I want that!

In John 15, we find interesting truths regarding our friendship with Christ:

• Christ loves us and desires for us to be his friends. He was "mindful" of us from the very beginning and he loved us first. He demonstrated that love through his personal sacrifice.
  (v12-13) ... Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
• We restore the intended relationship with him when we accept him as Lord. This relationship should show in the way we live.
• To maintain our fellowship with him, our LIFE will evidence his life in us.
  (v14) You are my friends if you do what I command.

As we grow closer to him, we experience that true friendship. Life with him becomes more than just doing what's right because we're commanded to. We do what's right because it pleases him and our love for him overflows with this evidence.

(v15) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

"I am a friend of God, he calls me friend." Awesome!

Evidence of LIFE in Christ

Galatians 5:22, 23, 25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Reading an article by Rick Warren, I'm reminded that because of who we are naturally, living a life that bears fruit for Christ takes work. Rick encourages us with these words, "There's really no secret to developing ... fruits of the Spirit. Just remember two things - your process in developing these fruits is a partnership with God and it takes time."

In Galatians 5:25, we're told we need to live by the Spirit by keeping in step with him. Keeping with the analogy of walking with God, the Psalmist gives us clues on how to do that: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Having been in the corporate world for 23 years, I found that the Bible was the best of management books and is an incredible handbook for life. But, reading the Bible, and living it takes effort. Paul tells us to "work out" our salvation in Philippians 2. Living a LIFE which evidences love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the other fruits of the Spirit is a spiritual workout - it requires exercise. From dictionary.com, ex·er·cise [ek-ser-sahyz] - to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use.

The comforting thing is that the Spirit is our "trainer" in this workout. Philippians 1:6 has always been an encouraging verse to me, "... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God is faithful.
Practice living LIFE like Jesus today!

Imagine!

Imagine (from dictionary.com): im·ag·ine [i-maj-in] - expect, believe, or suppose; to employ the imagination.

How wild is your imagination? How focused is your imagination on the things of God? When I read the imagine passage in Ephesians, I'm always challenged:
Ephesians 3: 20-21
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Am I dreaming of the things God wants me to dream? Am I thinking about all that he can do through me or through our church? I believe we miss this for 2 primary reasons.

1. We don't really believe. Note that "believe" is part of the definition of imagine. We believe that something can happen in our midst. Do we really believe? If so, what will we do with what we believe? Will it spur us into action? It should.
2. We ask or imagine self-centered dreams. James 4:3, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." We need to be one with God, having the same attitude as Christ, in order to realize his dreams for us.

Imagine!

Family (brothers)

I enjoy time with my brothers and their families when they come to visit. A year ago, we had a great time taking my younger brother's two girls to EdVenture and the Riverbanks Zoo. My older brother was caring for his 10 month old grandson and we "carried" :-) him along as well. We had fun spending time together and experiencing life with one another.

We are relational people by nature. God created us for a relationship with him. That image, that spirit, was what he imprinted upon us at creation. When the family comes together in the right spirit, we see the full diversity of our skills and personalities make for a great relational and growing environment.

My older brother is an encourager. He was often a father figure to me growing up. He came to my sports events and always took an interest in my life. My younger brother always makes me laugh. He has a great heart and a spirit of fun and happiness. As a church, we have different skills and personalities to bring to the "family" and to God.

In Ephesians 2:19-22, we find:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

We are being "built together." We each have something to bring to the table. Be a part of the family. Enjoy being around people who love God and reach out to others so that they can experience the same joy.

Discouragement

Galatians 6:9-10
"[Do] not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Do you ever feel like you're the only one working hard or striving? Are you ever frustrated because you think some just don't "get it" and you're wasting your time. My daughter, Megan, was discouraged her first year in college. She had grown up in Christian schools and was in her first year at Baylor. The dorm life was not what she expected at a "Baptist" university. She called in despair at her struggles in finding friends who shared her values.

In 1 Kings 19:9-18, Elijah was running for his life and expressed his discouragement to God, "I am the only one left." It's a bit humorous as we read it. Yet, how often do we feel that way. God responded by showing his power and by providing Elijah with an apprentice who became a great help to him, Elisha. In my daughter's case, she was pointed to a sororiety with several Christian sisters who became her friends.

Hang in there! Let God know your frustrations or discouragement. He will provide a way for you to get through it. The passage in Galatians is both an encouragement and a challenge. I believe this tells us that we can overcome the weariness when we focus on doing good to others. Take the opportunity to love others in word and deed. God will use this to help you through your rough times.

Now, I need to go practice this myself. I was feeling a little down this morning. God bless.